Libya summons French ambassador over military presence

Libya’s government has summoned the French ambassador amid concern over the French military presence in the country.

Three French officers were killed last week in eastern Libya, and the French government acknowledged that special forces are operating there as part of Western efforts to support the unity government.

Ambassador Antoine Sivan, who is based in neighbouring Tunisia for security reasons, is expected to go to Libya in the coming days to answer the summons, according to a French diplomatic official.

The official said on Sunday France is focused on supporting the unity government, and encouraging Libyan forces to work together to fight extremists. The official was not authorised to be publicly named.

Libya fell into chaos after Western airstrikes – including some by France – drove out dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.